During the 2017/18 St. Louis Symphony Orchestra season, 90 music educators from 83 schools in the greater St. Louis area rehearsed and perform alongside SLSO musicians for the Extra Credit On-Stage at Powell experience.
The side-by-side rehearsal and concert served as a celebration of music education and the extraordinary music teachers in our schools.
“One of my dreams was to play with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra,” said Jefferson City Public Schools Director of Orchestras Aimee Veile. “When this opportunity came along it just blew my mind.”
To earn a spot on-stage, teachers had write essays explaining why they believe music education in our schools is important for our students.
One wrote, “music brings people of all colors, cultures and beliefs together. it doesn’t have biases or preferences; the dots and lines on the page represent an internal longing for togetherness.”
Led by resident conductor of the SLSO Gemma New, the teachers and SLSO musicians performed an exciting program during the free concert.
“To play together with these teachers that are in the trenches everyday with the young people of tomorrow, is a tremendous moment for me as a musician,” SLSO Concertmaster David Halen said.
Extra Credit On-Stage at Powell was presented by Commerce Bank.